RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesHigh school football season has a week of practice in the books.
Now, we're asking readers to make a fans' choice for the 2026 Journal Star Preseason High School Football Player of the Year. Cast your vote at pjstar.com. The poll runs through noon Friday, Aug. 14.
There are 12 players on the ballot, the same who made our 2026 Dandy Dozen .
This vote has no bearing on who will be selected the Journal Star Player of the Year or will make the annual All-Area team, which are scheduled to be announced after the season.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
2026 Fans' Choice for Peoria-area Preseason Football Player of the Year
Owen Adams, El Paso-Gridley
Dylan Anderson, Pekin
Soren Fifer, Morton
Noah Garcia, Washington
Braden Gibson, El Paso-Gridley
Dallas Harder, Peoria Notre Dame
Rafael “RJ” Jackson, East Peoria
Cha'von Maxon, El Paso-Gridley
Drake May, Macomb
Carson Noy, Farmington
Kendrick Owens, Peoria High
Brendan Petty, Morton
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